The 2020 derecho left thousands of homes uninhabitable and destroyed over 670,000 trees in Cedar Rapids alone, transforming the landscape overnight on both public and private properties. For the residents of the Plaza East Condominiums, the storm wiped out 20 beloved trees, leaving the residents without communal green spaces and landscaping. Last fall, the group partnered with the Trees Forever’s Campus Canopy 10+ Program, and is now rebuilding its greenery and restoring a sense of place.
“The Derecho destroyed our landscaping and our budget did not allow for replacement of the 20 trees we lost,” says Jean Stonerook, President of the Plaza East Owner’s Association.
“Thanks to the Campus Canopy Program, 26 new trees were planted on the Plaza East Owners’ property. We are excited about watching them grow and fill in our landscape.”
Starting in July 2024, Jean worked closely with ReLeaf Project Lead Ben Vaughan to acquire trees through the Campus Canopy 10+ Program. The Campus Canopy program, which aims to replant trees on institutional properties ranging from school and daycare campuses, business properties, apartment complexes, cemeteries, religious institution grounds, and even HOA common areas such as Plaza East, gave Jean and her fellow residents a kickstart in replanting their property, free of charge.
In October, Trees Forever staff arrived with trees in tow to work together with residents in replanting the property. After teaching residents and volunteers how to properly plant the saplings and distributing tools and equipment, Trees Forever staff joined the assembled crew and apartment staff to plant.
Beyond being a reforestation effort, the planting became an impromptu community celebration. Residents worked side-by-side with Trees Forever staff and apartment maintenance workers. “Planting with the Trees Forever volunteers was fun and included an exciting, new mix of owners than we typically don’t see in our gatherings,” said Jean.
Getting the chance to interact with the community appealed to another resident, who said that “I think my favorite thing about the experience was working with our handyman and seeing the others who turned out for the event.”
After the planting was over, Jean and her fellow residents reflected on the enduring impact of their efforts. “I don’t know that any of us here will ever see these trees mature, but others will get to enjoy them,” reflected one resident. “Every place I have ever moved to, I planted more trees, because they were needed in my opinion,” said another.
Trees, more than ever, are a critical part of our communities and lives. The Canadian farmer Nelson Henderson is quoted as saying “the true meaning of life is to plant trees under whose shade you do not expect to sit.” While there is much growth we can witness in our lifetimes, the true goal of replanting trees in our community is to ensure that our children and grandchildren grow up in a city of plentiful nature and beauty.
With each tree planted, Plaza East residents are reclaiming their space, rebuilding their natural landscape, and creating a legacy of greenery that will enrich lives for many generations. If you would like to support tree planting efforts in Cedar Rapids, please visit Campus Canopy 10+ – Trees Forever.